Plott Hound Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: United States
The Plott Hound is a powerful and athletic scent hound originally bred in North Carolina to hunt large game including bears and wild boar. It is the official state dog of North Carolina and is recognized by the AKC in the Hound Group.
| Breed | Plott Hound |
| Size | Large (50–60 lbs) |
| Height | 20–25 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Temperament | Bold, Energetic, Loyal |
| Energy Level | High●●●●○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Low Maintenance |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Light |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Plott Hound Overview
The Plott Hound is a rugged, muscular breed built for endurance and stamina on long hunts through rough terrain. Known for its distinctive brindle coat and deep, loud bay, the Plott is fearless in the field and devoted to its family at home. While affectionate with those it knows, this breed has strong hunting instincts and requires experienced ownership and plenty of daily exercise.
📜 History & Origin
The Plott Hound traces its origins to the Plott family, German immigrants who settled in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina around 1750 and brought Hanoverian Schweisshunds from Germany. Johannes George Plott and his descendants selectively bred these dogs over generations to create a tough, big-game hunting hound suited to the Appalachian wilderness. The AKC officially recognized the Plott Hound in 1998, and North Carolina named it the state dog in 1989.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 50–60 lbs (23–27 kg)
- Height: 20–25 inches (51–64 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 40–55 lbs
- Height: 20–23 inches
Coat type: Short, dense, and fine to medium in texture with a glossy appearance
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Plott Hounds are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Can show aggression toward other dogs or animals. Early socialisation is important, but this breed may need careful management in multi-pet households.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Plott Hounds are high-energy dogs that require at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Plott Hound)
- Daily amount: 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry kibble daily, split into two meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Weekly brush is usually sufficient.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Plott Hound lifespan is 12–14 years. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active outdoor owners
- Experienced dog handlers
- Hunters and tracking sport enthusiasts
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- Apartment dwellers
- First-time dog owners
- Households with small pets
- Requires significant daily exercise
🆚 Plott Hound vs Other Breeds
✅ Plott Hound wins at
The Plott Hound excels at hunting larger game such as bear and boar due to its greater tenacity and physical strength.
✅ Bluetick Coonhound wins at
The Bluetick Coonhound is generally considered more sociable with other dogs and adapts slightly better to family life with multiple pets.
✅ Plott Hound wins at
The Plott Hound tends to be more agile and faster on difficult terrain, making it better suited to mountain and rough-country hunting.
✅ Black And Tan Coonhound wins at
The Black and Tan Coonhound is typically calmer indoors and tends to be more patient and gentle with children.
🏠 Who Should Own a Plott Hound?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active outdoor owners
- Experienced dog handlers
- Hunters and tracking sport enthusiasts
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- Apartment dwellers
- First-time dog owners
- Households with small pets
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plott Hound good for families?
Plott Hounds can be loyal and affectionate with their own family members, including older children who know how to interact respectfully with dogs. However, their high energy, strong prey drive, and independent nature make them a challenging choice for families with young children or multiple small pets. They do best in active homes where they receive consistent structure, early socialization, and plenty of physical activity.
How much does a Plott Hound puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Plott Hound puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between 800 and 1,500 GBP, though the breed is rare and availability is limited. In Pakistan, prices generally range from 40,000 to 90,000 PKR depending on lineage and breeder reputation, as the breed is uncommon and may need to be sourced through specialty importers. In India, expect to pay approximately 30,000 to 70,000 INR, again with limited availability making imported or well-bred puppies more expensive.
Is Plott Hound easy to train?
Plott Hounds are intelligent and quick to learn, but their strong independent streak and deeply ingrained hunting instincts can make obedience training a challenge for inexperienced owners. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods using high-value rewards, paired with short, consistent training sessions that keep them engaged. Early obedience training and socialization starting in puppyhood are essential to raise a well-mannered Plott Hound.
What food is best for a Plott Hound?
A high-quality dry kibble formulated for large, active breeds is generally the best foundation for a Plott Hound's diet, with protein from named meat sources such as chicken, beef, or fish listed as the first ingredient. Adult Plotts typically need 2.5 to 3.5 cups of food per day divided into two meals, and portion sizes should be adjusted based on the dog's activity level to prevent weight gain. Because the breed is at risk for bloat, avoid feeding a large meal immediately before or after vigorous exercise and consider using a slow-feeder bowl.
Does Plott Hound bark a lot?
Plott Hounds are vocal dogs that were bred to bay loudly when tracking or cornering game, and this instinct does not disappear in a domestic setting. Owners should expect regular vocalizing, especially when the dog is bored, under-exercised, or picks up an interesting scent.
Can a Plott Hound live in an apartment?
Plott Hounds are not well suited to apartment living due to their high exercise requirements, loud baying, and need for space to roam. They thrive in homes with a securely fenced yard and access to long daily walks, hikes, or active outdoor activities.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Plott Hound is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 12–14 years, high energy demands, and low maintenance grooming requirements, the Plott Hound is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Plott Hound will reward you with years of loyal companionship.